Do you clean the whirlpool tub?

[Ms.Mouse]

Oh come on now, this is all getting a bit too clinical. This reminds me of the lady at the gym who sanitized the cross trainer BEFORE she used it and TWICE when she was finished. Just think of all of the unsanitary things our kids have done, My attitude has always been, "probably won't require hospitalization..." Don't take all of the fun out of it. Just enjoy the jacuzzi and if you're really worried about germs, have a glass of champagne with your partner. Maybe it will keep you from worring about stuff.

I have a whirlpool in my own home and use the bleach/dishwasher combo BUT was looking forward to using the tub at the BW until I read the study.
And then thought about it.... Even in health care, workers may not think till reminded .

I would have certainly cleaned it BUT then I read the study that listed the problems caused....not only with the urinary tract but with Upper Respiratory Infections (including pneumonia) and Septicemia...Have you ever taken care of or saw anyone suffer from Sepsis??? I have and I know how they suffer...and often Die from sepsis... NO THANKS!!!
In fact, I used a whirlpool tub once that was cleaned out and I ran it through with a small amount of bleach and I broke out in......... Yucky ..... just let me say, an infection all over my skin. When I told the doctor everything I did out of the ordinary that vacation, he felt it was the whirlpool...... TOO CLINICAL??? I DON'T THINK SO...JUST TRYING TO HELP THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW OR DON'T KNOW.

 

[Scotch]

Uhg!! I always just use some shampoo, fill the tub above the jet, run the jet, and rinse and figured that was sufficient. Now it is going to be at least dishwasher and/or bleach.

Edited: Oops, I misread the earlier post. I see you can buy bleach at the DVC stores.

 

[snyderla]

I also work in a healthcare setting. People, there are things out there you probably have never heard of and just don't want! Community aquired mrsa? Nasty stuff! Besides, there are quite a few of us out there who have weaker immune systems so we will clean things up before we use them. There are plenty of reasons to do so, and since it only takes a few minutes to help us have a better vacation (ie, one where we or our children don't get ill) why not do it??? I have a friend who has twin 4 yr olds who were preemies. She finally took them to WDW just last week. On their 3rd day she had to take them to the emergency room due to infections. One of them was put on 4 meds, the other 2. Now, that wasn't from the jacuzzi's, of course, but if we want to clean our tubs before we use them, then doing so will actually enhance our vacation! Certainly cleaning a jacuzzi tub before using it won't take all the fun out of using it. After it's clean though, we'll still have that glass of champagne! YUM!

 

[CHEBJO]

I also work in healthcare and I am perfectly aware of all the nasty bugs that can be aquired. I simply think that some things can be over analyzed. There is nothing wrong with cleaning the jacuzzi but be honest there is no way that it will ever be germ free. So I guess my opinion is clean it and enjoy, knowing the possible hazards, but don't let it take up too much vacation time. I agree however that it might all be worth it if you enjoy that glass of champagne at the end!

 

[Boston5602]

I'm sure most of the people who own and or stay at DVC are nice and friendly people!


Most of the people I work with are too.........TWO of the people I work with don't believe in showering or washing their clothes more then once a week. ( they wear same outfit all week ) Saves time and money. They make a good living... one of them goes to Florida for 6 weeks every winter( NOT disney ) but someone like him could go and stay at DVC

Like another poster said why clean the tub < Puking >


sad but true, I do work with these two people and come Friday I don't want to work any where near them!!!!!!!

 

[Cruelladeville]

You all are a hoot! If you are health care workers, you should already know that there is no way to kill all the germs, no matter how much you clean! I get more nasty germs when I walk into that often-cleaned hospital, than I have ever gotten in a dirty old school, mall, or my house! Now, I do use Cascade on my jacuzzi at home and at DVC, and I have never gotten any junk out of the pipes, even with bleach in the rinse water. Maybe you all stayed there before me, so it was already cleaned out! I agree--have a glass of champagne, and enjoy your trip.

 

[Hef4545]

I think the best answer to this is to stay in the unit after my girlfriend leaves. She scrubs the place from top to bottom, vacuums ..... that is just her. For me, I am on vacation, but it is not a big deal to turn a tub on, fill with hot water and add bleach and run, so in light of the fact that my sons hiney will be soaking in that tub after a long day in the parks, I'll do it. I'm sure there are lots of germs in the pool water too. We could go crazy with this stuff. There was a forum on bedspreads and how some people turn them down and will not let their families touch them. Some people wash blankets left in the closets. It's all good as long as it does not interfere with the fun. If you are eating out, you are certainly risking all kinds of stuff but we won't get into that.
I do what jennypenny does. Simple, quick and done.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Nope, sorry.

Don't clean the jacuzzi once, much less twice.

Don't wash the sheets before using them.

Don't run the dishwasher with clean plates.

Don't vacuum.

Don't wipe every exposed surface with super-germ-causing sanitizer.

Never had a problem.

I do wonder how all those folks who do the above cleaning feel about the parks? I can't imagine what must be growing on all the kiddie attractions in Fantasyland - do people Lysol them, too?

IMHO - YMMV - Be well!

 

[wintergreen]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I don't clean bathtubs when I'm on vacation!

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I clean the Jacuzzi tub before my kids ever set foot in it.

I use bleach, hot water and dishwasher detergent.

I also strip the beds and wash everything, including the blankets in the closet . run whatever dishes we will use through the dishwasher.

Simple fact is, anyone who has had a child who has become ill on Vacation will alter thier travel agenda.

I had 3 trips in a row where my young twins got very ill. twice requiring several trips to the ER. if an hour of running around being crazy saves a vacation, it is worth it.

As for in the parks. I carry Bath and Body works sanitizer at all times and do the kids hands CONSTANTLY. I would much rather look like a nut, then spend another day in the Celebration ER with children on IV fluids.

 

[Antonia]

Boston5602 - by the description of your two co-workers, I doubt we have to worry about them getting into the jacuzzi tub!!!! Sounds like it would be too much trouble for them!

 

[sleepydog25]

I'd use dishwasher tabs AND the bleach. Dishwasher tabs alone can't kill all the really nasty stuff bleach can.

Best idea of all. The dishwasher tabs recommendations are mainly for maintenance cleaning for jetted tubs in your own home. To actually kill anything growing in a tub (almost all of which are harmless to be honest), then use bleach. Fill the tub with hot water and add the bleach, then run for 10-15 minutes. Drain. Fill the tub again with cold water and run an additional 5 mins or so to get rid of the last vestiges of the bleach. Drain again. Your jetted tub is now ready.

 

[jdvm]

aren't any of you compulsive sanitizers worried about the amount of water that's being wasted with all of this filling and emptying?

 

[JimFitz]

I am all about conservation, but the way the wife and I used the Hottub last trip, you may all want to scrub your tub if you get a 1Bdrm in OKW building 16.

 

[Sammie]

I am all about conservation, but the way the wife and I used the Hottub last trip, you may all want to scrub your tub if you get a 1Bdrm in OKW building 16.

In that case, "you" should have cleaned the tub.